THE residents of Ashlyn Care Home in Harlow have been enjoying safe, indoor based activities since the recent spread of Covid-19. Arts, crafts and games have been enjoyed, but the residents wanted to create something to send to their relatives.

With the residents and team members keeping up a positive attitude, they decided to write cards for their families,Excelcare – Ashlyn – Butterfly Release.jpg each with a small, colourful butterfly sticker on. The butterfly symbolises hope, faith and change, something we all need during these times of uncertainty. This was also a great way of engaging the residents in hand-written communication, which is always more meaningful and personal for the recipient.

As the residents sat and wrote their notes on the cards, team members went around to see who each person was writing to. It quickly became clear that most wanted to reassure their families and friends, simply letting them know they love them. Some decided to write notes to their mothers whilst others shared their words of advice. It was a really enjoyable afternoon discussing peoples loved ones and writing notes for them. It encouraged reminiscence and got the residents thinking about the most important people in their lives.

The people of Ashlyn named this activity ‘The butterfly release’ and sent their cards flying through the post to their friends and families.

Maintaining safe channels of communication between residents and their relatives is a priority during this time and team members will be supporting with digital forms, and encouraging engaging written forms such as this.